Thanks to Mark Wangerin for the Steller’s Jay photo. If you’ve seen/heard these feisty birds, you know they don’t really sing … but tonight in West Seattle, music is on the menu at several spots, as well as other forms of fun, as you’ll see in these calendar highlights:

DENNY/SEALTH MUSIC NIGHT OUT: 5:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, as detailed in our calendar listing. Ticket sales have ended but just in case you wonder who’s making that great music … now you know. And you can still support Denny/Sealth’s music by going here. (9131 California SW)

DUWAMISH ROWING CLUB MOVIE FUNDRAISER: Doors at 6:30 pm, movie at 7:30 pm, tonight at the Duwamish Longhouse – it’s the Duwamish Rowing Club‘s annual movie fundraiser, screening “The Seal Who Came Home.” More info in our calendar listing – tickets available at the door. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

GARY BENSON: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover. (5612 California SW)

FINAL FRIDAY NIGHT FOR ‘CHINGLISH’: 7:30 pm curtain tonight at ArtsWest Playhouse (WSB sponsor) – third-to-last chance to see the comedy! (4711 California SW)

WEST COAST BUMP BAND: Classic dance grooves at Feedback Lounge tonight, 9 pm, no cover. (6451 California SW)

Thanks to Don Brubeck for the “solar halo” sunrise photo from this morning! Now, looking ahead to today/tonight, highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TAI CHI, QIGONG FOR 50+: 2 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle with Sifu Viola Brumbaugh – details here. (Oregon/California)

ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES … at the Community Orchard of West Seattle, for this week’s 4-6 pm Health & Harvest work party. North side of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

SDOT AT WSTC: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center, hear from – and bring questions for – SDOT director Scott Kubly. (6400 Sylvan Way)

THE WHALE TRAIL: TWT‘s first Orca Talk of 2015 is your chance to hear from Brad Hanson, a federal researcher who recently spent three weeks out on an extensive whale-watching/-researching cruise, including the first sighting of the Southern Resident Killer Whales’ newest (known) calf, L121. 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – details here including ticket info. (5612 California SW)

SEE ‘CHINGLISH’ BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE: 7:30 pm curtain at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) for the laugh-out-loud comedy that’s in its final days. (4711 California SW)

PUNDAMONIUM! 8 pm at Skylark Café and Club, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Sorry we can’t be more creative than that, but we bet YOU can and will.

Before we get too much further into the afternoon, four events to spotlight for tonight:

LAND USE 101 AT WSLUC: Ever wonder how to make your way through so much (or so little) information about development and land use? Hear tonight from two citizen/volunteer/neighborhood experts, Deb Barker and Cindi Barker (no relation), at the West Seattle Land Use Committee meeting. 6 pm, West Seattle (Admiral) Library, lower meeting room. (2306 42nd SW)

HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: 7 pm, SDOT traffic engineer Dongho Chang will be there to talk about the Vision Zero safety plan. HPAC also will hear from District 1 City Council candidate Lisa Herbold. More agenda details here. (12th/Holden)

OPT OUT OF TESTING? That’s one of the topics at a special meeting of the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA, 7 pm tonight – the hot topic of whether to opt out of the Smarter Balanced assessments. Also on the agenda, principal Aida Fraser-Hammer with items including an update on the budget for next school year. The PTSA also is electing an interim president. (2600 SW Thistle)

BENEFIT TRIVIA: 8:30 pm at Talarico’s in The Junction, the Wednesday night trivia is a benefit for the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) Annual Campaign, which provides scholarships for kids’ activities at many local schools – details in our event listing. (4718 California SW)

(Photo by James Bratsanos – Olympic Mountains in the early-morning light)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, some of what’s up for the rest of today/tonight:

AUTHOR AT MADISON MS: Two assemblies today at Madison Middle School with best-selling young-adult author Marissa Meyer, as previewed here. First one was earlier but second one (families are welcome to attend too) is at 1:30 pm. (45th/Spokane)

PORT COMMISSION MEETING: 1 pm at Sea-Tac Airport, of local note because the Terminal 5 lease is expected to take centerstage in the public-comment period again. The agenda also includes a draft motion related to future decisions about the lease, and procedures regarding other future decisionmaking – see it here. (Conference Center at south end of Sea-Tac)

SCHOOL BENEFIT DINNERS: Two chances tonight to dine out while supporting local schools! 4-8 pm it’s Madison Middle School night at Marination Ma Kai (1660 Harbor SW); 5-8 pm, it’s a taco bar benefiting Hope Lutheran School at Pecado Bueno. (4523 California SW)

BLOCKWATCH CAPTAINS HEAR ABOUT BIKE PATROL, CYBERCRIME: 6:30 pm tonight at the Southwest Precinct, join the West Seattle Block Watch Captains’ Network for the monthly meeting they’re previewing as follows:

1. Our special guest will be Sgt. Jim Britt who oversees the expanded SW Precinct Bike Patrol program, which will “roll” out any day now. He will talk about the program and what they hope to accomplish. He’ll also talk about which officers will be involved and which areas they will focus on. Bring your questions for him, as well as any issues you think the Bike Patrol might be able to help resolve.

2. Cybercrime is a growing issue for all of us and those we care about. Our second presentation will be about online safety by Community Police Team Officer Jon Kiehn. Learn about the latest crimes that are happening and how to stay safe online.

You don’t have to be a captain or even part of a Block Watch to attend – all are welcome. (Webster/Delridge)

GLOBAL READING CHALLENGE: Good luck tonight to the two local teams in the finals of the Seattle Public Library‘s Global Reading Challenge – the Reading Warriors from West Seattle Elementary in High Point and the Rad Radical Hyperactive Jellyfish from Lafayette Elementary in Admiral! You can cheer them on (but be warned, the seats fill fast) at 7 pm at the Central Library downtown. (1000 4th Ave.)

NIGHTLIFE … Tonight’s lineup includes the blues, karaoke x 2, and singer/songwriters – see the listings/venues here.

Thanks to Gary Jones for the photos of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, passing Alki Point this morning as it headed out for training (as previewed here on Friday) – you can see Coast Guard escorts in the top photo, and a nearby Washington State Ferry below:

From our calendar, a few events coming up later today/tonight:

FREE ART ACTIVITIES … 11 am-12:30 pm, bring toddlers and preschoolers to the Family Center in Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. More info in our listing. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Varsity games on local fields include West Seattle HS baseball vs. O’Dea at Hiawatha, 3:30 pm; Chief Sealth IHS softball vs. Garfield at Southwest Athletic Complex, 4 pm; Chief Sealth IHS soccer vs. Nathan Hale at SWAC, 4 pm;

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Monday night is BIG for everyone who loves a good quiz: There’s trivia at Christo’s on Alki (7:15 pm, 2508 Alki SW), trivia at OutWest Bar (7:30 pm, California/Brandon), Quiz Night at Skylark (7:30 pm, 3803 Delridge Way SW), plus pub quiz at Shadowland (8 pm, California/Oregon).

EVENING MEDITATION: 7:30 pm Buddhist-meditation class at Sound Yoga (WSB sponsor). See the center’s full weekly schedule here. (5639 California SW)

PREVIEW THE WEEK AHEAD … by browsing the calendar!

(Northern Flicker males are “starting up their laughter-like calling and persistent drumming,” says Mark Wangerin, who took the photo)

Good morning and happy Sunday. Here’s what’s on the highlights list for today (from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, which you can browse any time to look ahead):

FERRY SCHEDULE CHANGE: The spring schedule is now in effect for Washington State Ferries. That includes the return of the three-boat weekend schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: If you saw our recent report that it’s moving into the street – keep in mind that’s not until mid-June. Today, and every Sunday through June 7th, it’s 10 am-2 pm at 44th/Alaska.

WEST SEATTLE FABRIC COMPANY LIQUIDATION SALE: As reported here a week ago, West Seattle Fabric Company is taking its retail business online and focusing its in-person business on services at a new location. At its current location, this weekend’s liquidation sale is ramping up to 50 percent discounts today, according to proprietor Monica. 10 am-4 pm. (2210 California SW)

GARDEN PLANNING/SEED STARTING: Noon-3 pm event as the St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church gardens’ transformation continues with the help of Seattle Farm School, as explained here. (3050 California SW)

SOCCER-BALL-JUGGLING CHALLENGE: Noon-3:30 pm event at West Seattle Zaw, open to everyone under 18, as part of an ongoing regional partnership/promotion with Seattle Sounders FC 2 – judges will be on hand to see how many times they can juggle a soccer ball, with bag-tag prizes and free mini bake-at-home pizzas. (4151 Fauntleroy Way SW)

HIGHLAND PARK LITTLE FREE LIBRARY EVENT: 1 pm, neighbors are invited to a “stock the library/reception” event for a new Little Free Library in Highland Park. Cookies and punch! Robbie, the builder and host of the LFL, says, “Come by, bring a book and take a book. Happy reading and looking forward to meeting my fellow readers and neighbors!!” (7700 block of 12th SW)

‘CHINGLISH’: Second-to-last weekend for the comedy now onstage at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) – today’s show is a 3 pm matinee. (4711 California SW)

ADMIRAL BENBOW’S FINAL NIGHT: 3:30 pm-12:30 am, a long list of musical acts is set for the Admiral Benbow’s closing night – see that list via the Benbow’s Facebook page. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

KNITTING MEETUP: Bring what you’re working on! C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 5:30 pm. (5612 California SW)

(Tulip photographed last weekend by Flickr member Yel0Rose, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Happy Saturday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SCOUTING FOR FOOD PICKUP: If you received a tag or scheduled a pickup as part of local Scouts’ door-to-door food drive, get your donation outside ASAP today.

RAINGARDENS’ GROUNDBREAKING: Five new raingardens are getting started today with a groundbreaking celebration as part of the RainWise program. 10 am-11 am, come join the party and find out how you might benefit from the same program – celebratory toasts and kids’ activities. (9009 34th SW)

SEAFAIR COMMODORES BOWL-A-THON: 9:30 am at West Seattle Bowl, get rolling with the Seattle Seafair Commodores, benefiting the Seafair Scholarship Program for Women. All the info’s here. (39th/Oregon)

TWO MARIONETTE SHOWS! 10 or 11 am at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), catch a performance by Puppets Please Marionettes, to benefit the scholarship fund of the West Seattle Cooperative Preschool program. More info here. (3940 41st SW)

CUB SCOUT PACK 282 FOOD DRIVE @ THRIFTWAY: Another way to donate food and help fight hunger today – 11 am-4 pm with Pack 282 at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) – more info here.

PINE LAKE CELLARS: Noon-5 pm, visit the West Seattle tasting room of Pine Lake Cellars (WSB sponsor) and try what this family-owned winery has to offer. (3400 Harbor SW)

ZUMBA-THON FOR Y’S ANNUAL CAMPAIGN: Party from 4:30-6:30 pm in the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) gymnasium, to boost the Y’s Annual Campaign – details in our listing. (4515 36th SW)

‘STARRY NIGHT’ FOR PATHFINDER: The annual dinner/auction is tonight, 5 pm, at The Hall at Fauntleroy, as previewed here. If you’re going – browse the auction catalog here. (9131 California SW)

SLHS SPRING BINGO: 6 pm at the Seattle Lutheran High School Gym – ticket info here. (41st/Genesee)

COFFEE AND MUSIC: Roo Forrest and Friends are live tonight at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

‘CHINGLISH,’ 2ND-TO-LAST WEEKEND: If you haven’t been to see this comedy at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), consider that since its last performance is a week from tomorrow, why not check out the 7:30 pm show tonight? (4711 California SW)

MATT BAKER AT KENYON HALL, AFTERNOON & EVENING: “A high-energy, one-man variety show” is what you’ll see at Kenyon Hall at 3 pm today (family-oriented) or 7:30 tonight. (7904 35th SW)

BLACK VINYL ALL-STARS: 9 pm, live at Feedback Lounge in Morgan Junction. (6451 California SW)

LOOKING AHEAD 2 WEEKS … we’re putting together our customary Easter/Passover event page right now, so if you have anything special (brunch? egg hunt? services?) to share with the community, please e-mail us ASAP – editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you!

Thanks to John Kieltyka for sharing the photo of that somewhat-soggy squirrel during last weekend’s deluge. Cloudy but dry so far today; here are highlights for the hours ahead:

TUNNEL-MACHINE WATCH: The first big piece of the machine will be lifted out of the repair pit sometime today (backstory in our project update from earlier this week). This WSDOT update includes a link to the camera you can check in on.

WEST SEATTLE THRIFTWAY ‘LADIES NIGHT’: 6-8 pm, a don’t-miss chance to get a swag bag (if you’re there early!) and check in not only with the folks at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) but also other great local businesses like Illusions Hair Design (also a WSB sponsor). As noted on the Thriftway website, “food, wine, fun, prizes!” And Thriftway’s anniversary sale is under way now too. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

DESIGN REVIEW X 2: Tonight at the Senior Center of West Seattle, the Southwest Design Review Board gets its first look at two projects – 6:30 pm, the CVS drugstore at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW (see the “packet” here), 8 pm, the 44th SW Studios microhousing building at 4528 44th SW (see the “packet” here). As always, the meeting will include public-comment periods for both projects. (Oregon/California)

WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Also at the Senior Center at 6:30 pm, the monthly West Seattle Timebank meeting, starting with a 6:30 pm potluck – details here. (Oregon/California)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Crime/safety is the top topic for tonight’s 7 pm ACC meeting at Alki UCC‘s parlor. (62nd/Hinds)

OPEN MICROPHONE … third Thursdays at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm – details in our listing. (5612 California SW)

THAT’S JUST PART OF WHAT’S HAPPENING … see lots more listings, for today/tonight and beyond, on our calendar.

(Bushtit building a nest, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BENEFIT DINNER FOR H.O.P.E.: 5:30 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral, benefiting Helping Out People Everywhere. Check to see if tickets are still available; event info is in our calendar listing. (42nd/Lander)

KEEPING KIDS SAFE: 7 pm at Madison Middle School, the PTA has organized a meeting in the library featuring special safety presentations from experts including SPD Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon, as previewed here. (45th/Spokane)

I’M/MIGRATION UNPLUGGED: 7 pm at Duwamish Longhouse, poetry readings by Native poets Celeste Adame, Natalie Diaz, and Nilka Wherrette – details in our calendar listing. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

STATE POET LAUREATE AT WORDSWEST: 7 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), state Poet Laureate Elizabeth Austen and Michelle Peñaloza are featured in the monthly WordsWest Literary Series event – details in our listing. (5612 California SW)

DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center: DNDC reviews area applications for the city Neighborhood Park and Street Fund – 14 community proposals this time around. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

34TH DISTRICT REPUBLICANS: Not in West Seattle, but one of their topics is whether to move their regular meetings to WS, since it’s the biggest community in the district (which also includes White Center, Vashon Island, Maury Island, and part of Burien) – the group has new leadership and is working to get out more community information. Tonight’s meeting, which also will include discussion of “finding out the important topics to individuals in our district who attend the meetings” and City Council races, is at 7 pm at Round Table Pizza in Burien. More info here. (15730 1st Ave. S.)

NEED A LAUGH? 8 pm tonight, the annual Feedback Funny Invitational will bring you more than one, with an all-star slate of comedy headliners at Feedback Lounge. (6451 California SW)

LOTS MORE on the calendar – take a look!

(Added: WSB photo, taken noontime today at Seacrest)

A quick highlight list for the rest of today/tonight in West Seattle:

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION FOOD FEST/MEMBERSHIP MEETING: [updated time] 6 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, it’s the annual membership meeting of the Fauntleroy Community Association, including some tastes from local restaurants. Renew your membership and help choose FCA leadership, while mingling with neighbors and friends old and new. (9131 California SW)

URBAN VILLAGES – ARE THEY WORKING? 6:30 pm at the Junction Neighborhood Organization meeting, Peter Steinbrueck and his consulting team present the report that drew a crowd to City Hall in January. All welcome. Senior Center of West Seattle. (Oregon/California)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: 7 pm at the Southwest Precinct, come to the WSCPC meeting to hear about local crime trends, and to ask local police about your crime/safety concerns. (Webster/Delridge)

ST. PATRICK’S DAY EDITION OF ‘BLUES TO DO’: Tonight at Feedback Lounge, 8 pm, including a special set of Irish music. (6451 California SW)

(Looking toward Alki Point: Photo by James Bratsanos; click image for larger view)

It’s the calm after the (2.2 inches of rain!) storm. Calendar notes for today/tonight:

FREE ART ACTIVITIES … for toddlers and preschoolers, 11 am-12:30 pm at the Family Center in Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. Details here. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

AFTERNOON BOOK GROUP: 2 pm at Southwest Branch Library, all are welcome for this month’s afternoon book group, reading “The Forgotten Garden” by Kate Morton. (35th/Henderson)

GOT ALL THE ANSWERS? Then maybe you’ll want to join trivia at Christo’s on Alki (7:15 pm, 2508 Alki SW), or trivia at OutWest Bar (7:30 pm, California/Brandon), or pub quiz at Shadowland (8 pm, California/Oregon).

MONDAY MEDITATION: 7:30 pm Buddhist-meditation class at Sound Yoga (WSB sponsor), whose weekly schedule is here. (5639 California SW)

(Blooms on the Alki Trail, from Flickr member alextutu1821, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

Good morning and happy Sunday! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, rain or shine. Here’s the latest Ripe ‘n’ Ready Report. (44th/Alaska)

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES, LAST CHANCE: Final day of the selling season, we’re reminded. If you can’t find cookie sellers, use the online lookup.

THE GENERAL STORE SEATTLE GIVE-BACK SALE: 10 am-7 pm, second and final day of this unique sale at new WSB sponsor The General Store Seattle – 5 percent of your purchase will be donated. (3400 Harbor SW)

INTERNATIONAL MOTHERING SUNDAY LUNCHEON: Noon at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, food from around the world will be served at a by-donation International Mothering Sunday lunch benefiting a high-school library in Kenya – details in our calendar listing. (3050 California SW)

MUSIC AND COFFEE: Jamtime is live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) starting at 1 pm. (5612 California SW)

BOWLING FOR EQUALITY: Two benefit bowling sessions for the Human Rights Campaign, 1-3 pm and 4-6 pm, at West Seattle Bowl – the HRC website says tickets are still available at the door. (39th/Oregon)

THE GREAT SEATTLE SEED SWAP: Seattle Farm School is presenting this first-ever event this afternoon, 2-4 pm, at the West Seattle (Admiral) Branch Library. From SFS’s Katie Stemp:

Bring seeds to swap, and take home new and familiar kinds of seeds! We guarantee lots of fun along with seeds for fruit, flowers & vegetables, Library books & DVDs, and the chance to talk with fellow gardeners and make new friends!! We will also be accepting donations for the brand new West Seattle Seed Library! Don’t miss the Seed Saving talk at 3 pm with Caitlin Moore of the King County Seed Lending Library.

Free; all welcome. (2306 42nd SW)

ARTSWEST MATINEE: Haven’t seen “Chinglish” yet? 3 pm curtain at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) today – find out more about the play here.

LAST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS! As noted earlier this week, today’s the deadline for nominations in the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce-presented Westside Awards – info here.

(Photo by Brian Allen)
Happy Saturday! Lots going on. Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES’ FORUM: Second one of the season, presented by VIEWS (Visualizing Increased Engagement in West Seattle)! With 10 of the 11 District 1 candidates plus several of the at-large candidates, at the Senior Center of West Seattle. Starts with 9 am breakfast (optional, by donation) and mingling; the forum starts with at-large candidates making brief pitches at 10, and questioning of the D-1 candidates will start around 10:30 am. (Oregon/California)

SCOUTING FOR FOOD: Reminder that in some West Seattle neighborhoods, Troop 282 and others will be dropping off reminders this morning about this door-to-door food drive, and coming back for your donations next Saturday – explained here.

PLANT FOR THE PLANET ACADEMY: 9 am-5:30 pm daylong workshop at the Duwamish Longhouse, training kids 8-14 to be leaders against “climate complacency,” as explained here. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

WSPC RUMMAGE SALE: 9 am-2 pm, second and final day of the megasale at West Side Presbyterian Church. You never know what you’ll find:

(Doesn’t EVERYONE need a vintage Candy Striper outfit?) Go see what you find – hundreds of families have donated items! (3601 California SW)

THE GENERAL STORE SEATTLE GIVE-BACK SALE: 10 am-7 pm, go check out new WSB sponsor The General Store Seattle during a unique sale in which 5 percent of your purchase will be donated. (3400 Harbor SW)

‘SAVE MYERS PARK’: Community advocates who would like to see at least part of the Myers Parcels in southeast West Seattle saved as open space invite you to an organizational meeting 10 am-noon at the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition‘s offices. Backstory’s in this WSB report. (210 S. Hudson)

REAL ESTATE CAREER DAY: 10:30 am, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate Services (WSB sponsor) welcomes you to its Jefferson Square offices to find out about a real-estate career. (4700 42nd SW, Suite 600)

PINE LAKE CELLARS TASTING ROOM: Noon-5 pm, stop by to taste award-winning wines from Pine Lake Cellars (WSB sponsor), maybe even, they hint, their soon-to-be-released white wine. (3400 Harbor SW, street level)

WEST SEATTLEITES IN ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: 12:30 pm downtown, the annual parade includes at least two West Seattle entries that we spotted on the lineup – the marching bands from West Seattle High School and Denny International Middle School. (Parade route here)

SALAMANDER SEARCH AT CAMP LONG: 2 pm, free, designed for kids 6 and up – check to see if the rain’s affecting the plan. Info’s in our listing. (5200 35th SW)

‘I CRAWLED FOR MS’ FUNDRAISER: Pub crawl starts at 3 pm at Shadowland, raising money to fight MS. Details in our listing. Wear orange! (California/Oregon)

SOUTHSIDE REVOLUTION JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: Doors open at 5:15 pm at Southgate Roller Rink for the Southside Revolution bout.

Bout 1 at 5:45 will be Southside Revolution Cadets vs. Kitsap Derby Brats – Tootsies.

Bout 2 at about 7:10 will be Southside Revolution Rebels vs. Cherry Bomb Brawlers from Spokane.

Doors at 5:15pm, $10 General Admission Adults, $5 Children 6-12, Free for Children under 5.

Roll on over to the rink! (9646 17th SW)

‘CHINGLISH’ AT ARTSWEST: Tony-winning playwright David Henry Hwang‘s comedy is onstage, 7:30 pm curtain, at ArtsWest Playhouse tonight. Save time – get your tickets online. (4711 California SW)

‘GO HAWAIIAN’: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall, Casey MacGill and Orville Johnson will do just that – join them! Details here. (7904 35th SW)

NORTHWEST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: 8 pm, get symphonic with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra in concert at Holy Rosary Church – details here. (42nd/Genesee)

THERE’S EVEN MORE ON THE CALENDAR – see for yourself here!

(Photo by James Bratsanos, from Thursday morning)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SIDE PRESBYTERIAN RUMMAGE SALE: On now until 5 pm, it’s day one of the mega-sale at West Side Presbyterian Church. Go shop! (3601 California SW)

WSHS BIG BAND DINNER DANCE: 6 pm in the West Seattle High School Commons, dine and dance to raise money for student programs – details here, including ticket info. (3000 California SW)

MUSIC AND DANCE: Free (donations welcome) – West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Symphony Orchestra performs, with dancers from DANCE! West Seattle featured, 7:30 pm at Chief Sealth International High School auditorium, details here. (2600 SW Thistle)

‘CHINGLISH’ CONTINUES AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm curtain time for the new production at ArtsWest Playhouse (WSB sponsor). “Chinglish” is billed as a “laugh-out-loud comedy.” Tickets available online, here. (4711 California SW)

SLAGS AT POGGIE: 9 pm, rock with The Slags at Poggie Tavern in The Junction. (4717 California SW)

Topping our highlights list for your Thursday afternoon/evening – it’s West Seattle Art Walk night! 6-9 pm, here’s where you can go to see art and (at most stops) meet the artists:

You’ll find venue/artist previews on the official Art Walk website, to help you plan where to visit. One special note tonight – it’s the WS Art Walk debut of VAIN (WSB sponsor) in The Junction (4513 California SW), where you’ll find the opening reception for West Seattle-based artist Michael Doyle‘s new illustration series “13 Teacups.” See you on the Art Walk tonight!

Also happening in the next 9 hours:

SECOND MEETING ON 35TH SW PROPOSALS: 3:15 pm at Southwest Branch Library, it’s the second of 2 meetings on the “design alternatives” SDOT is proposing to increase safety on 35th SW. Here’s the quick-glance overview:

Questions? Comments? Want to hear the details (intersection-by-intersection, as it was rolled out Tuesday night) firsthand? Be there if you can. Comment to jim.curtin@seattle.gov even if you can’t. The final design proposal will be out in June and is being shaped by reaction to what’s proposed now. (35th/Henderson)

GEORGETOWN BREWING NIGHT: The popular local brewery is up next at The Beer Junction‘s series of tasting nights, 5-8 pm. Details in our listing. (4511 California SW)

INDIAN FOOD CLASS: 5:30-8 pm at Delridge Community Center, learn to make some staples! $30. Call 206-684-7423 to register, if there’s still room. (4501 Delridge Way SW)

‘OPT OUT’ OF TESTING? 6 pm at Southwest Branch Library, find out about the controversial Smarter Balanced testing and parents’ rights to opt their child/ren out if they choose – details in our listing. (35th/Henderson)

TELEPHONE TOWN HALL WITH LEGISLATORS: From the 34th District Democrats‘ website – tonight’s your chance to join in a “telephone town hall” with your state Reps. Eileen Cody and Joe Fitzgibbon: “This will be a chance to ask us questions and hear about what they are up to in Olympia. To participate on March 12th, please dial 1-877-229-8493 and use the PIN 18646 at 6:00 pm.”

SECOND THURSDAY OUT! 6 pm, monthly event at Senior Center of West Seattle. “Join the LGBTQ community, their friends and neighbors for happy hour, followed by a light meal, and game night!” (Oregon/California)

OF COURSE, THERE’S MORE … on our calendar.

(Alki awakens: Monday morning photo by Don Brubeck)
What’s going on tonight? Seven highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DINNER FUNDRAISER: 5-8 pm, it’s an all-you-can-eat taco-bar benefit for the West Seattle High School softball team at Pecado Bueno in The Junction, explained here. (4523 California SW)

35TH AVENUE SW SAFETY PROJECT: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, see the design alternatives proposed to improve safety for all who use 35th SW, and be among the first to comment. Project website is here. (6400 Sylvan Way)

YOU CAN RAISE A GUIDE PUPPY! 6:30 pm at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), find out how. (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)

MEDITATION GROUP’S HALF-IVERSARY: It’s been six months now for the West Seattle Shambhala Meditation Group, and you are invited tonight to help celebrate – details are in our calendar listing. 6:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at The Sanctuary at Admiral, meet your neighbors, talk about what happens to the triangle at Ferry/44th/Hill AFTER its time as now-open interim Fire Station 29 , and hear from two District 1 City Council candidates, Shannon Braddock and Brianna Thomas (ANA says it will host candidates two at a time between now and the August primary) At The Sanctuary at Admiral. (42nd/Lander)

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: All welcome to tonight’s FCA board meeting, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Topics will include the plan for next week’s Fauntleroy Food Fest annual membership meeting. (9131 California SW)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 7 pm tonight, free and fun at Delridge Branch Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … by browsing the calendar here (use the “next events” button at top right to look past mid-April). And if you’re sending us an event to list, please do it as early as you can … at least a week, or better yet, as soon as you set the date! editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you.

No chance for the daily preview this morning but while we have a quick moment before more news rushes in, here are three notes for tonight:

HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY PTSA: Potluck meeting for parents tonight – dinner at 5:30 pm, meeting at 6. (11th/Trenton)

FREE PEACE WORKSHOP: 6:30 pm at the Delridge Uptown Espresso, with experts in peacebuilding, including the Peace Alliance‘s national field director. (Delridge/Andover)

DENNY INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE SCHOOL PTSA: 7 pm in the school library, with topics including “walking safety and the school budget for the upcoming year.” (2601 SW Kenyon)

(And as always, you’ll see more if you browse our calendar.)

Thanks to Gary Jones for the photo from Alki Point (caption suggestions, anyone?). From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, which has made the leap ahead into Daylight Saving Time (have you?):

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS: Second day at the West Seattle High School gym, continuing until 2 pm. No admission charge, all welcome – more info in our preview from last week. (3000 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: On until 2 pm. Something new every week! (44th/Alaska)

DUWAMISH NATIVE FOODS, NOW AND THEN: “Spring Greens” are the focus of this edition of an ongoing series at the Duwamish Longhouse – details in our calendar listing. Doors open at noon, guest speaker Heidi Bohan at 1 pm, cultural program at 2 pm, shared meal at 3 pm. Free. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

TAX HELP: The Vietnamese Cultural Center in West Seattle says volunteer Ryan Huynh will be there 2-5 pm to help low-income people with simple tax-return prep, free. (2236 SW Orchard)

SEATTLE GREEN SPACES COALITION: 3-4:45 pm at Southwest Branch Library: “Please join us to plan an event for the Fauntleroy Substation on Brace Point Drive in West Seattle.” Find out more about the coalition here. (35th/Henderson)

‘CHINGLISH’ MATINEE: 3 pm at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), the “stranger-in-a-strange-land, laugh-out-loud” comedy “Chinglish” by David Henry Hwang is back onstage. Tickets at the box office or online, here. (4711 California SW)

GOLDEN AGE OF ITALIAN OPERA: That’s the theme for this afternoon’s free concert by the Ladies’ Musical Club – vocals, piano, violin, at the West Seattle (Admiral) Branch Library, 3 pm. (2306 42nd SW)

BURGUNDY PEARL: The Americana-music duo is back at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

(Photo by Patrick O’Brien, shared via the WSB Flickr group, in honor of tonight’s time change)
Another sunny day! Remember that we “spring forward” tonight – at 2 am (technically, early Sunday) it will be 3 am as Daylight Saving Time arrives. Some of what’s up today/tonight:

WASHINGTON GLOBAL ISSUES NETWORK CONFERENCE: Just in case you wonder what’s up at Chief Sealth International High School on a Saturday, the second day of this first-ever conference has hundreds of students, teachers, and other participants on campus from 8 am to 8 pm – here’s what they’re discussing and learning about. (2600 SW Thistle)

ADMIRAL ADOPT-A-STREET: As previewed here last night, meet up with the Admiral Neighborhood Association outside Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) at 9 am. (42nd/Admiral)

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 9 am-4 pm at the West Seattle High School Gym, it’s the junior/prep-age West Coast championships, as previewed here. No admission charge! (3000 California SW)

MEMORIAL PLANTING EVENT: Forest stewards at Me-Kwa-Mooks Park are hosting a planting event 9 am-noon in memorial of homicide victims and in support of healing from past tragedies in the area. (4503 Beach Drive)

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE DAY OF SERVICE: You are invited to join more than a hundred volunteers from OLG parish – lots to do for everyone! – in this day with many projects. Easy way to start, per the info we received, “is a drop-in at the Walmesley Center 9:00 am – 2:00 pm to create projects such as bulletin boards, placemats, and cards for the sick and homebound that would be used by the residents of Providence Mount St. Vincent. We will also be making prayer shawls and quilts for those in need in our community.” That’s the big center on the north side of 35th/Myrtle – just drop in to help. You’ll also see “volunteers out planting along Longfellow Creek, helping an elderly neighbor in West Seattle with spring cleaning, assisting St. Mary’s Food Bank with distributing food, sorting items at the Treehouse (charity for foster kids), and coordinating activities for families at a local housing community where the families have transitioned from homelessness.”

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AT LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: 11 am-1 pm, the home of West Seattle history is the place to be to find out how you can help by volunteering. Details here, including the different types of volunteer work you can do. (61st/Stevens)

WEST SEATTLE ART NEST GRAND OPENING: 3-6 pm, the new drop-in studio celebrates its grand opening. The team includes Theresa Anderson, who you’ll remember from Young At Art. (4138 California SW)

FAUNTLEROY CHILDREN’S CENTER AUCTION: 5:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy, the auction/dinner gala themed “City of Light: An Evening in Paris” benefits the Fauntleroy Children’s Center – details in our listing. (9131 California SW)

SEABOT FUNDRAISING DINNER: 6:30 pm at Seattle Lutheran High School, enjoy a taco dinner and robotics while helping out the school’s team – details on the SLHS website. (41st/Genesee)

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: 6:30 pm doors, 7 pm movie, “*West Seattle Meaningful Movies presents *Pay 2 Play: Democracy’s High Stakes* at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. (6400 Sylvan Way)

KLEZMERMANIA AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm, Kenyon Hall presents “two outstanding bands, the Klezmer Balabustas and Kesselgarden, in an evening of choice Klezmer tunes spanning decades. Klezmer is a musical tradition of the Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe. It’s the music of heartfelt emotion, from sorrow to joy, and everything in between.” Full details on the KH website. (7904 35th SW)

THE ESOTERICS IN CONCERT: 8 pm at Holy Rosary Church. From their preview:

BDENIE commemorates the centenary of the premiere of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “All-night vigil,” which took place in Moscow on March 10th, 1915. Rachmaninoff wrote his 70-minute, 15-movement vigil in January and February of 1915, and it was first performed as a fundraiser for war relief efforts.

Rachmaninoff’s masterpiece proved to be so popular with both critics and the public that it was performed five more times within the month. Rachmaninoff based 10 of his 15 movements on extant chants from various traditional styles, including Greek, Kievan, and the Russian “Znamenny” style. The remaining five movements were entirely of the composer’s own creation, although he admitted their style to be “a conscious counterfeit of the ritual.” For this concert series, The Esoterics has expanded to 48 voices, and will intersperse Rachmaninoff’s movements with phrases of Slavonic chant.

Ticket info is on The Esoterics’ website. (42nd/Genesee)

Six possibilities for tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WORDS, WRITERS, & WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm at Barnes and Noble Westwood Village, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society presents the next monthly edition of Words, Writers, & West Seattle, featuring author Barbara Haines Howett and her novel ‘Ladies of the Borobudur.’ See her video invitation above! (2600 SW Barton)

‘SKATE MOB’ ON ALKI: Be on the lookout, starting at 5 pm at Seacrest, for uniformed/jacketed skaters from Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby, with at least 10 derby skaters getting the word out about next week’s Southgate bout. (1660 Harbor Ave. SW and beyond)

LASAGNA DINNER: 5:30 pm and continuing as long as there’s food to serve, it’s an organic lasagna dinner to benefit the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) Annual Campaign, presented by the Y Preschool. Details in our calendar listing – and we’re told RSVP is no longer required, just show up! (4515 36th SW)

KARAOKE AT CORNER BAR: First Friday of the month means it’s Corner Bar night at Highland Park Improvement Club – and this time around, they’re featuring Baby Ketten Karaoke. Doors open at 6, and Corner Bar is all ages in the early going. Details on the HPIC website. (12th/Holden)

ASTHMA INFORMATION NIGHT: 6:30-8:30 pm, drop by Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center for information, education, and even some fun. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

‘CHINGLISH’ CONTINUES AT ARTSWEST: Second performance, 7:30 pm, for the new production at ArtsWest Playhouse (WSB sponsor). “Chinglish” is billed as a “laugh-out-loud comedy.” Tickets available online, here. (4711 California SW)

Before the calendar highlights for today/tonight – an Otto update! David Hutchinson shares that new photo of the Duwamish Head-frequenting otter, with this update:

Otto the river otter is continuing to entertain folks walking along the Alki Trail past Duwamish Head. He’s visited his favorite spot 7 of the last 9 days, usually hanging out from about 11 AM – 5 PM. His behavioral pattern is to bring in his favorite food (a flounder) to eat on the rocks nearby, and then make a stop on the sand to dry off his fur, do some grooming, and take a short nap. Then it’s back out for some more fishing. There’s no guarantee that this will continue, as river otters circulate around to different sites in their territory.

Even though river otters are not marine mammals, Seal Sitters has had volunteers around most days to answer questions and is always looking for new members. The next training is on Sunday afternoon, March 22nd, at the Alki Bathhouse. Go to www.blubberblog.org for additional details and to find where to RSVP if you would like to attend.

Now, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE CAR-SEAT SAFETY CHECKS: Wonder whether your baby/toddler/child seat is correctly installed/fastened? Swedish Automotive (WSB sponsor) is offering free checks 11 am-2 pm today and tomorrow, any vehicle make/model, not just the ones in which they specialize. (35th/Kenyon)

FAREWELL RECEPTION: As previewed here earlier this week, the Log House Museum is saying goodbye to manager Sarah Baylinson (headed to Oregon!), and you’re invited to stop by for her farewell reception 3-4 pm today. (61st/Stevens)

COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: First of the season’s weekly work parties, 4-6 pm – all welcome – details here. (6000 16th SW)

‘OLD SCHOOLHOUSE’ TASTING NIGHT: 5-8 pm at The Beer Junction – details in our calendar listing. (4511 California SW)

DESIGN REVIEW FOR 4515 41ST SW: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, the Southwest Design Review Board takes another look at the 4-story, 66-bed memory-care center proposed for 4515 41st SW in The Junction. Preview the “packet” here. Public comment welcome. (Oregon/California)

MEET HISTORY-MAKING ADVENTURER: 7 pm at Emerald Water Anglers (WSB sponsor), meet West Seattleite Erden Eruç, who’s in the records as the first to circumnavigate the globe on his own. And that’s far from all he’s accomplished! Hear his stories and see his photos – as previewed here. (42nd/Oregon)

HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL PLAY: 7 pm, second of two performances of ‘Fairy Tale Network‘ – read about it in our calendar listing, then go applaud the young performers! Free but “donations warmly accepted at the door.” (42nd/Genesee)

‘CHINGLISH’ OPENS AT ARTSWEST: First performance, 7:30 pm, for the new production at ArtsWest Playhouse (WSB sponsor). It’s described as a “laugh-out-loud comedy.” Tickets available online, here. (4711 California SW)

MUCH MORE! on our calendar.

From the WSB Flickr pool (thanks!), Patrick O’Brien‘s sunset photo captures not just the colors and the water, but also a neighborhood … one of the million reasons to love living here. So now we look ahead to what’s happening (besides, maybe, another beautiful sunset) tonight – highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BECOME A MASTER COMPOSTER! INFO SESSION: 6 pm at Chaco Canyon Organic Café in The Triangle, join Seattle Tilth for an informational session about its upcoming “master composter” training – details in our calendar listing. (38th/Alaska)

Y UPDATE, COUNCILMEMBER @ SW DISTRICT COUNCIL: 6:30 pm, it’s the monthly meeting of reps from community councils and other organizations/groups in western West Seattle, comprising the Southwest District Council. On the agenda: An update on the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) expansion project and Q/A with City Councilmember Sally Clark (one of three, so far, who have announced they’re not running for re-election). Upstairs at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (Oregon/California)

KIWANIS CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Thinking about joining a local service club? The Kiwanis Club meets in the evening now, 6:30 pm Wednesdays, and you’re welcome to join them tonight at their regular meeting spot, Senior Center of West Seattle. (Oregon/California)

HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL PLAY: 7 pm, first of two performances of ‘Fairy Tale Network‘ – read about it in our calendar listing, then go cheer the young performers tonight. Free but “donations warmly accepted at the door.” (42nd/Genesee)

OPEN MICROPHONE @ SKYLARK: Signups at 7:30, performances start at 8:30 pm, free and fully backlined, open to 21+, every Wednesday night at Skylark Café and Club – details in our listing. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

From our calendar, where you’ll find lots more beyond these five quick notes:

COFFEE GATHERING FOR VETERANS: First Tuesdays at 11 am at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (Oregon/California)

ENCAMPMENT PROPOSAL: Not just about West Seattle, but of interest in our ongoing coverage: The City Council’s Planning, Land Use, and Sustainability Committee might vote at its 2 pm meeting today at City Hall downtown. Agenda here; live on Seattle Channel. (5th/Cherry)

WESTWOOD-ROXHILL-ARBOR HEIGHTS COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 6:15 pm at Southwest Branch Library, with the Westwood/Roxhill Park transit center at the heart of the agenda, as previewed here Monday. Come hear from and talk with Metro and Westwood Village reps, and find out what else is going on in the communities WWRHAH represents. (35th/Henderson)

HIGHLAND PARK PLAY AREA: Third and final design meeting for the community-powered improvements at the 11th/Cloverdale park in Highland Park – last chance to speak up before the design moves on to become reality! 6:30 pm at Highland Park Elementary. (1012 SW Trenton)

WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: Lots to talk about! See the agenda highlights here. 6:30 pm at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor) in The Junction. (41st/Alaska)